Old School Kenpo Karate
About
Old School Kenpo has the appropriate tagline of "A Small School with Big Results." With a purposefully modest-sized student base and a high Black Belt-to-student ratio, each student receives the individual attention they need to progress at every lesson. Questions are always encouraged, and students immediately feel a part of our friendly and supportive "Kenpo family."
Our instructors are all extremely passionate about both the Art of Kenpo and empowering others. In addition to going above and beyond while training our martial arts student base, we offer an acclaimed "Basic Yet Brutal" self-defense class to the community and provide it pro bono to abused women through various organizations.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A new student is given an orientation of the studio and an overview of Kenpo's basic principles. He or she is then taught the basic moves, one-on-one with an instructor, and continues to receive individual instruction until comfortable enough to participate with the group.
The student immediately learns to perform the techniques on partners and to "dummy" while others perform techniques on them. This is a great way to interact with other students and see techniques of all levels.
The student continues to receive as much individual coaching as needed to learn new techniques, keep up with the group, and continue to improve.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Co-founders and head instructors Jennifer Thomas and Bill Hayes have been running Old School Kenpo Karate for over 12 years.
Bill is a sixth degree Black Belt who began training in Shotokan in 1974 and switched to Kenpo Karate in 1979. A fifth-degree black belt, Jennifer is one of the top-ranking women in their governing organization, the International Karate Connection Association (IKCA).
Both are Senior Certified IKCA Instructors and members of Kenpo's elite Society of Ancient Warriors.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Group classes are $95/month for unlimited attendance.
Private lessons are $50/hour.
We require no contracts or membership fees.
How did you get started teaching?
Upon receiving her Black Belt, Jennifer Thomas was eager to begin teaching--but the studio she'd trained at was shutting its doors. Undeterred, Jennifer began recruiting her own student base and enlisted experienced Black Belts Bill Hayes and her own instructor Tony Glorioso to help foster her teaching abilities.
Two years later, she and Hayes opened the doors to their own studio, with Glorioso staying on as a guest instructor.
What types of students have you worked with?
We've successfully trained students with a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities. You're never too old to start, and anyone can benefit from this amazingly practical art.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We organized a major belt promotion for three students (ages 16, 17, and 19) to Green Belt, Brown Belt, and 2nd Degree Black Belt, respectively. Promoting these three talented young people was such a celebration of the future of our art and of our school. Afterwards, our Kenpo family celebrated together at a nearby Mexican restaurant (or usual post-workout hangout!), along with the promoted students' families. It was an event we will all cherish for a long time.